Soft top, also known as cold foam, has become a delicious and creamy addition to many people’s favorite drinks, especially for those who frequent Dutch Bros. This whipped sweet cream topping has the ability to transform a regular cup of coffee into something truly indulgent.
Whether you enjoy it on hot or cold beverages, the smooth texture and rich flavor it brings to the table makes it a standout choice for coffee lovers. Some even get creative with flavorings, adding a seasonal pumpkin taste for the fall or a festive sugar cookie flavor during the holiday season.
It’s easy to see why the soft top has become such a popular add-on at coffee shops everywhere. Whether you’re ordering from Starbucks, a local café, or making it at home, it’s a fun and customizable way to elevate your coffee experience.
From experimenting with different flavorings to finding the perfect sweetness balance, baristas are having fun with this versatile topping. If you’ve ever visited a Dutch Bros and raved about the Dutch Bros’s Soft Top, you know just how delicious and special it can make your morning coffee.
Understanding Dutch Bros Soft Top
The Soft Top at Dutch Bros is made using a special technique that combines ingredients like heavy cream, buttermilk, and sugar to create a light and fluffy foam. This foam is then poured over your coffee, adding a creamy and decadent layer on top, enhancing the overall experience.
It’s known for having a smoother, more mellow flavor than regular coffee, with the added bonus of a lower acidity, making it perfect for those who enjoy hot or cold coffee.
Whether you’re a coffee lover or someone looking to try something new, this unique drink is sure to be a hit. If you’re feeling curious, you can even make a homemade copycat recipe of the Soft Top at Dutch Bros to recreate the experience at home, elevating your coffee drink with its smooth and rich flavor.
What Is a Soft Top?
Soft Top is a unique and indulgent topping that is often compared to a mix of marshmallow fluff and sweet, cold cream. This fluffy foam is made by blending buttermilk, sugar, vanilla, and heavy cream, creating a creamy goodness that floats on top of your coffee or any drink you choose. The rich texture of the Soft Top is what makes it stand out.
Unlike regular foam, it doesn’t sink into your drink. Instead, it stays on top, giving every sip a smooth, creamy experience. Whether you’re enjoying it with coffees, sodas, iced teas, or hot drinks, it’s the perfect way to add a unique taste to any beverage.
This signature topping is a favorite among coffee lovers and has even become a staple in many coffee shops, especially at Dutch Bros. Known for its velvety texture and smooth taste, it’s easy to see why the Soft Top is beloved by coffee enthusiasts.
It’s not just limited to coffee drinks, though; the soft top can be used in a wide variety of beverages, making it a versatile ingredient to elevate any drink. If you’ve never tried it before, adding this to your drink is sure to be a hit!
How Is It Different from Whipped Cream or Cold Foam?
- Texture: Soft top is silkier and less airy than whipped cream; lighter than cold foam.
- Ingredients: Whipped cream uses heavy cream + sugar; cold foam uses skim milk; soft top uses half-and-half + flavored syrups.
- Usage: Soft top is poured (not dolloped) and melts into drinks, unlike whipped cream.
Ingredients and Equipment Needed
To make the perfect soft top for your coffee, you’ll need a few essential ingredients and equipment. First, pour 2 parts heavy cream and 1 part flavored syrup into a stainless steel milk frothing pitcher. Using a handheld milk frother, froth the mixture for around 30 seconds or until you reach your desired thickness.
This process creates a creamy and velvety texture that adds the perfect touch to your favorite drinks. For a richer flavor, you can follow the Dutch Bros recipe, which combines heavy cream, buttermilk, sugar, and vanilla extract, all whipped together to perfection.
You’ll also need a mixer or milk frother to whip the ingredients until the mixture reaches a soft peak consistency. Once ready, store the soft top in an airtight container in the fridge until you’re ready to add it to your drink. Whether you’re making it at home or at your favorite coffee shop, these simple ingredients and tools are key to creating that smooth and creamy topping.
Ingredients
- 1/2 cup of heavy whipping cream
- 2 teaspoons of caster sugar
- 1/4 of Torani Toasted Marshmallow Syrup
- 3 tablespoons of half and half
- 1/2 teaspoon of vanilla syrup
- 2 tablespoons of buttermilk
- Vanilla syrup
- Caster sugar
- Heavy whipping cream
- Buttermilk
- Half and half
- Torani Toasted Marshmallow Syrup
Optional Add-ons
- Stainless milk frothing container
- Portable milk frother
Essential Tools
- A Pyrex measuring cup
- A Milk frother
- 1 Cup
Step-by-Step Dutch Bros Soft Top Recipe
To make the perfect soft top, start by using Torani syrups, such as toasted marshmallow syrup or any of your favorite flavors for a delicious twist. Combine heavy cream and the syrup in a bowl, following a 2:1 ratio of cream to syrup for a rich and creamy texture. Use a milk frother to froth the mixture until it becomes light and fluffy, or if you prefer, a mixer can be used to whip it to soft peak consistency.
Once ready, store the mixture in an airtight container and keep it in the fridge until you are ready to use it. You can experiment with other syrups like Skinny Syrups (sugar-free) or grocery store caramel sauce for a unique variation. This flavored soft top is perfect for adding a smooth, velvety texture to your coffee or any of your favorite drinks!
Instructions
To make your soft top, start by adding cold whipping cream and Torani syrup into a milk-frothing pitcher. Insert the milk frother and begin to froth the mixture by moving the frother up and down under the surface. Continue until the soft top begins to thicken and resembles whipped cream.
To get soft peaks, pull the frother vertically out of the mixture, and you should see the tip of the whipped cream curl over itself in a soft curl. If you want a different flavor, add vanilla syrup, half and half, buttermilk, and caster sugar to a 4-cup glass measuring cup.
Use your milk frother to blend the ingredients for about 30 seconds, keeping the frother at the top of the mixture for the best results. Once blended, pour the soft top over your favorite coffee and enjoy your homemade Dutch Bros Soft Top drink!
Step 1: Combine Ingredients
To start making your soft top, pour half-and-half, vanilla syrup, buttermilk, and caster sugar into a 4-cup Pyrex measuring cup. This mixture of ingredients forms the base for your creamy topping. By combining these simple ingredients, you’ll be ready to create a rich and smooth texture for your coffee.
Step 2: Blend for 30 Seconds
Next, take your milk frother and blend the mixture for about 30 seconds. Be sure to hold the frother close to the top of the mixture to ensure that the foam will gradually double in size. This is the key step to achieving the perfect texture and consistency for your soft top, so it’s nice and fluffy, ready to enhance your coffee.
Step 3: Serve & Enjoy
Once your soft top mixture is ready, pour it over your favorite coffee. The taste is delicious, adding a creamy, rich texture that makes your coffee even more enjoyable. It’s that simple to create the perfect soft top for your drink!
Pro Tips & Notes
To make your soft top even more exciting, you can switch up the flavors. This recipe can be created with any Torani Syrup, or even with sugar-free syrups like Skinny Syrups for a healthier twist. Feel free to substitute with different flavors like pumpkin, vanilla syrup, or sugar cookie syrup to create flavored soft tops that match any season or mood.
Experimenting with these variations will give you a custom, delicious topping for your coffee every time!
Homemade Soft Top Alternatives
To make a homemade soft top, start by combining caster sugar and water in a microwave-safe bowl. Microwave it for about 30 seconds to dissolve the sugar, then let the mixture cool. Next, use a mixer to whip heavy cream until it reaches soft peak consistency. Gradually add the cooled sugar syrup to the whipped cream while continuing to mix.
For a flavored twist, try adding a flavored syrup like Irish cream syrup to the mixture before whipping. This will give your soft top a unique taste and a special flavor that will elevate any beverage. Once the soft top is ready, store it in an airtight container in the fridge until you are ready to use it for your coffee or other drinks.
You can also use the Dutch Bros soft top recipe as a base for your own homemade version!
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What Does Soft Top Go Best With?
Cold Drinks
Soft top pairs wonderfully with a variety of cold drinks. Try it with Cold Brew Coffee, Iced Coffee, or Iced Americanos to give them an extra creamy, flavorful kick.
Hot Drinks
For hot drinks, Hot Coffee, Shots of Espresso, and Hot Chocolate are great options to top off with this delicious addition. For something a bit more exciting, try a Cappuccino with Irish Cream Syrup Soft Top for a unique twist.
Tea Variations
If you’re a tea lover, you can add Soft Top to your favorite tea too. Hot Black Tea with Cinnamon Syrup Soft Top offers a warm, spicy experience, while Green Tea pairs beautifully with Vanilla or Coconut Syrups.
Special Tea Combos
For a sweet, indulgent twist, try Earl Grey or Hot Cinnamon Spice Tea with Caramel Sauce in place of the basic syrup—Caramel Drizzle Sauce works well too. Lastly, for an extra rich experience, Hot Coffee with a White Chocolate Sauce-based Soft Top is a must-try combination.
Popular Variations and Brand Comparisons
Soft top coffee has become increasingly popular in recent years, and you can now find it at many coffee shops and chains. These shops often offer variations of the classic soft top, giving customers a range of options to suit their taste. Whether you’re looking for a rich, creamy topping for your favorite iced or hot coffee, you’ll find that the soft top is a trendy addition to coffee menus everywhere, enhancing the flavor and texture of your drink.
Dutch Bros Soft Top vs. Starbucks Soft Top
Dutch Bros Soft Top
When it comes to soft top coffee, both Dutch Bros and Starbucks offer their unique takes. Dutch Bros, the popular drive-thru coffee chain that originated in Oregon, is well known for its signature soft top. Their soft top is a rich, creamy topping found on drinks like the Cocomo, Cotton Candy Frost, and Golden Eagle, and even the Iced Campout Cold Brew.
If you want to recreate this topping at home, you can find the Dutch Bros Soft Top Recipe online. It’s all about mixing the right ingredients to get that deliciously creamy texture.
Starbucks Soft Top
On the other hand, Starbucks, one of the world’s largest coffee chains, also offers a soft top option on their menu. Their soft top is slightly different because it’s made with whipped cream instead of the traditional foam found in other coffee shops. You can find the soft top in popular drinks like the Annihilator and Caramelizer, making Starbucks’ version a little sweeter and creamier.
Whether you prefer the Dutch Bros Soft Top or Starbucks’ version, both bring something special to your coffee.
Custom Flavors (e.g., Vanilla, Chocolate)
- Dutch Bros-Inspired Flavors: Add caramel syrup, chocolate sauce, or seasonal extracts (e.g., pumpkin spice).
- Starbucks-Style Sweet Cream Foam: Mix in vanilla syrup or honey.
- Dietary Tweaks: Sugar-free syrups, dairy-free milk alternatives.
- Pro Tip: Adjust sweetness or texture based on pairing (e.g., chocolate soft top for mocha drinks).
Nutritional Information
The nutritional information for a “soft top” can vary depending on its type and preparation. Here are common estimates based on typical interpretations:
| Topping Type | Serving Size | Calories | Fat | Carbohydrates | Protein |
| Coffee Foam/Cold Foam | 2 tbsp (30ml) | 30–50 kcal | 0–2g | 5–10g (if sweetened) | 1–2g |
| Whipped Cream | 2 tbsp | 50–100 kcal | 5–10g | 1–2g (unsweetened) or 5–10g (sweetened) | 0–1g |
| Soft-Serve Ice Cream | 1/4 cup (60ml) | 50–100 kcal | 2–5g | 10–20g | 1–2g |
Notes:
- Values are approximate and vary based on ingredients (e.g., full-fat vs. nonfat dairy, added sugars).
- Check specific product labels or restaurant nutrition guides for precise data.
Conclusion
The Soft Top is a signature topping at Dutch Bros, added to beverages in the final step of preparing a drink. It’s one of the most popular toppings at their stores, but not everyone has access to a Dutch Bros store or is located near one.
In such cases, you can still enjoy the rich, creamy experience by following the recipe and adding it to your favorite coffee beverage, tea, or even soda. Whether at the store or made at home, the Soft Top enhances any drink with its smooth texture and delightful taste.
FAQs
What does soft top taste like?
The soft top is a creamy foam added to coffee drinks as a final touch. It’s well-known for its velvety texture and smooth taste, making it a delightful addition to your favorite coffee beverages. This creamy topping enhances the overall experience, giving your drink an extra layer of richness and flavor.
What is soft top made of?
The soft top we created uses a 2:1 ratio of heavy cream to syrup, which helps maintain a creamy texture that is positively loaded with flavor. This simple yet effective ratio ensures that your coffee gets the perfect balance of smoothness and richness, making each sip truly enjoyable.
Can I Make It Dairy-Free?
Yes, you can make a dairy-free version of the soft top. Simply swap out the heavy cream for a dairy-free alternative like coconut cream, almond milk, or oat milk. These alternatives will give you the same creamy texture without using any dairy products, allowing you to enjoy your favorite drink while keeping it dairy-free.
How Long Does Soft Top Last?
The soft top will typically last about 1-2 days when stored in an airtight container in the fridge. For the best taste and texture, it’s recommended to use it within this time frame to ensure it stays fresh and maintains its creamy consistency.